For years, video games have been dismissed as either a waste of time or something downright harmful. But the reality is far more nuanced—and far more positive.
A Study That Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
This week, a study from Oxford University revealed that people who play more video games report higher levels of well-being. The headlines responded with shock: “Playing Video Games BENEFITS Mental Health!” exclaimed MailOnline, while Business Insider went with “Video Games Might Actually Be Good for You.” Even my father, who never fails to clip out any mention of video games in the news, sent me an article from The Times—one that, predictably, began with a warning to parents.
But why the disbelief? For those of us who play games, this isn’t groundbreaking news. Video games are engaging, immersive, and fun—activities that, unsurprisingly, make people happy. Do we really need a study to prove that watching a beloved TV show brings comfort or that curling up with a good book is relaxing?
This year, especially, video games have served as a form of escapism and emotional support for millions. This study only confirms what so many of us already knew: gaming can be therapeutic. I wasn’t the only one turning to Animal Crossing to decompress after a long day of parenting. And let’s not forget the countless children whose only meaningful social interactions during lockdowns happened through Roblox.
The Persistent Stigma Around Gaming
Despite gaming’s undeniable benefits, mainstream media continues to paint it with a broad, often negative brush. News coverage frequently focuses on the industry’s massive profits or the supposed dangers of violent games. Every time a new game becomes wildly popular among kids, TV segments and opinion pieces adopt an alarmist tone—almost as if children were suddenly experimenting with something as dangerous as hard drugs.
Having worked in gaming journalism since 2005, I’ve been on the receiving end of this stigma for years. Despite being a grown woman with two kids, when I talk about video games, I’m often met with the same patronizing expressions that adults give an enthusiastic nine-year-old clutching a Beano comic. Worse, some people react with outright concern, as if I’d just confessed to a gambling addiction.
I remember being grilled by a radio interviewer when Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013. His skepticism started with the game’s violent themes but quickly spiraled into questioning the very purpose of gaming itself. “When I talk to people like you, I always think you should just read a book,” he finally said, exasperated. I replied that I had a degree in comparative literature. That shut down the conversation pretty quickly.
Gaming Can Be a Healthy Escape—Like Any Other Hobby
Now, I’m not saying that skipping university lectures to play World of Warcraft for an entire year is a great idea, or that it’s not frustrating when a teenager refuses to pause Call of Duty while dinner gets cold. And yes, some people do develop an unhealthy relationship with gaming. While the World Health Organization’s classification of “gaming disorder” remains controversial among experts, dismissing the experiences of those who genuinely struggle with compulsive gaming would be irresponsible.
But obsession isn’t unique to gaming. Some people develop unhealthy attachments to exercise, food, or even collecting vinyl records (as my partner can attest). Video games are a way to spend time—just like binge-watching Friends for the hundredth time.
According to market research firm Newzoo, there are nearly 3 billion gamers worldwide. For the vast majority, gaming is a positive, enriching experience. I’ve lost count of how many people have told me that video games helped them manage depression, anxiety, or stress—or simply provided a much-needed break from life’s daily challenges.
When I had my first child, I spent hours playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on my Nintendo Switch. It was a way to reconnect with the person I was before motherhood and momentarily step away from the endless cycle of diapers, feedings, and sleep deprivation.
It’s Time to Change the Narrative
Video games aren’t just mindless distractions. They offer connection, creativity, and even comfort in difficult times. Instead of treating gaming as a guilty pleasure, we should acknowledge what research—and countless personal experiences—have already made clear: video games can be a powerful tool for mental well-being.
Maybe it’s time to stop being surprised.
